Hay fever sufferers warned to expect high pollen levels over the Spring bank holiday

Hay fever sufferers have been warned to expect high pollen levels over the Spring bank holiday with a long-awaited spell of sunny weather.

Data from the Kleenex Pollen Forecast shows that pollen levels across the country this weekend are continuing to rise into peak pollen season.

Sunny weather and temperatures up to 20 degrees are forecast across the UK over the bank holiday, which are expected to contribute heavily to higher pollen levels.

The severity of pollen levels is measured by Pollen Grains Per Cubic Metre (PPM).

A reading of 200-703 for tree pollen is considered high, and anything above 704 very high.

London is expected to have a reading of 277 PPM on Sunday.

Ori Ben Shai, Vice President and Managing Director, Kimberly-Clark UK, said: “We know how unpleasant hay fever can be and are delighted to continue our partnership with Allergy UK to help the UK’s 13 million hay fever sufferers this summer.

“The Kleenex Pollen Forecast offers unrivalled insight into local pollen levels and should be a big help for anyone struggling with allergies.

“We recommend that anyone with hay fever symptoms check pollen levels in their postcode daily to ensure they can prepare appropriately and need not hide inside while the sun is shining”.

Visit the Kleenex Pollen Forecast to check out your postcode’s pollen count: https://www.kleenex.co.uk/pollen-count

For those still planning on heading outside this Bank holiday weekend, Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services, Allergy UK, has shared advice for hay fever sufferers on how they can manage symptoms when meeting friends and family in the garden, pub or park:

-Consider your wardrobe choices
Accessories like hats and wraparound sunglasses can stop pollen from reaching face, hair and importantly, eyes

-Try using an allergen barrier balm
Some allergy sufferers find that applying an allergen barrier balm around the base of the nostrils and around sunglasses creates a barrier to airborne allergens

-Schedule your daily outings carefully
Always check the Kleenex™ Pollen Forecast before leaving the house. Monitoring pollen levels daily can help you plan ahead to manage your symptoms

-Shower when you return home
Pollen can stay on your skin and hair after you’ve been outside, so take a shower as soon as possible when you return home

-Always carry a pack of tissues with you